- An R-22 refrigerant charging hose kit with gauge and pressure regulator.
- A Phillips head screwdriver.
- An adjustable wrench.
- A can of refrigerant.
- A can of oil (if needed).
- Safety glasses.
Procedure:
Step 1: Open the low-pressure Schrader valve on the RV's air conditioner with the Phillips head screwdriver. The Schrader valve is a small, brass-colored valve with a screw in the center.
Step 2: Attach the R-22 charging hose to the Schrader valve. Tighten the hose with the adjustable wrench.
Step 3: Turn on the refrigerant can and slowly open the valve on the refrigerant can to begin releasing refrigerant into the air conditioner. The refrigerant will enter the air conditioner's compressor and build up pressure.
Step 4: Monitor the pressure gauge on the refrigerant charging hose. The pressure should rise as more refrigerant is added. The correct pressure will depend on the model of your air conditioner, but it is typically between 150 and 250 PSI.
Step 5: Add refrigerant until the pressure reaches the recommended level. Be sure to add refrigerant slowly, in small amounts. If you add too much refrigerant, the air conditioner can overheat and break down.
Step 6: Close the valve on the refrigerant can and remove the charging hose from the Schrader valve. Tighten the Schrader valve with the Phillips head screwdriver.
Step 7: Test the air conditioner by turning it on and setting it to cool. The air conditioner should run smoothly and cool the RV within a few minutes.
Note: If your air conditioner is low on oil, you will need to add oil as well as refrigerant. The oil can be added through the same Schrader valve as the refrigerant. The amount of oil required will depend on the model of your air conditioner, but it is typically between 1 and 2 ounces.
